A Critical Analysis of 'Shen' and 'Zhi' in the Core Passages of the Guanzi's 'Nei Ye' and an Inquiry into Pre-Qin Theories of Mind and Nature
This paper offers an in-depth interpretation of the central passage in the *Guanzi*'s 'Nei Ye'—'That which can transform one thing is called *Shen* (Spirit/Divine); that which can change one affair is called *Zhi* (Wisdom)'—systematically reviewing the philosophical concepts of *Shen*, *Zhi*, *Jing* (Essence), *Qi* (Vital Force), and the *Dao* in the Pre-Qin period to elucidate their pivotal role in self-cultivation and the integration of inner sageliness with outer kingship.
Section 3: "The explanation of this One Word, allows one to observe Heaven above, reach the depths of Earth below, and coil and fill the Nine Provinces" — The Grandeur of the Dao
"Yī yán zhī jiě" (The explanation of this One Word)—This entire set of principles.
Why use "One Word"$26 Because all principles converge on the "One"—"Adhering to the One" (Zhí Yī). "One Word" refers to the concise core expression regarding the "One."
"Shàng chá yú tiān" (Observe Heaven above)—One can look upward and perceive the Heavenly Dao. The Heavenly Dao is the law governing Yin/Yang, the four seasons, the sun, moon, and stars. Grasping the principle of the "One," one can understand the operation of the Heavenly Dao.
"Xià jí yú dì" (Reach the depths of Earth below)—One can look downward and explore the principles of geography—the distribution of mountains, rivers, soil, and resources. Grasping the principle of the "One," one can understand the layout of the Earth.
"Pán mǎn jiǔ zhōu" (Coiling and filling the Nine Provinces)—Pervading and filling all under Heaven. "Jiǔ zhōu" (Nine Provinces) was the ancient term for the entirety of the Chinese domain, as detailed in the Shangshu, Yu Gong (Tribute of Yu). "Coiling and filling the Nine Provinces" means the Dao permeates every corner of the world.
Why can "The explanation of this One Word" allow one to "observe Heaven above, reach the depths of Earth below, and coil and fill the Nine Provinces"$27
Because the "One" is the common root of Heaven, Earth, and all things. The purity of Heaven, the tranquility of Earth, and the life of all things—all originate from the "One" (as described in Laozi, Chapter 39). Grasping the "One" means grasping the fundamental law of Heaven, Earth, and all things, thus naturally enabling one to "observe Heaven above, reach the depths of Earth below, and coil and fill the Nine Provinces."
This is entirely consistent with the spirit of the Laozi, Chapter 47: "Without leaving the door, one knows the world; without looking out the window, one sees the Dao of Heaven." One does not need to travel the world or observe every phenomenon; grasping the "One" (the fundamental law of the Dao) is sufficient to know the world and see the Heavenly Dao.